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What activities should you avoid after cataract surgery? And for how long?

Most people may resume their normal activities within 24 hours of cataract surgery. Your doctor should give you specific instructions after your surgery, but in general, follow these guidelines:

  • Don’t drive for 24 hours after your surgery.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few weeks.
  • Immediately after surgery, avoid bending over, which puts pressure on the eye.
  • Try not to sneeze or vomit right after surgery.
  • Don’t swim or use a hot tub for one week after surgery.
  • Avoid eye irritants like pollen, dust, wind, and dirt for a few weeks after surgery.
  • Don’t rub your eyes after surgery.

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* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of ACA compliant major medical plans. Coverage and plan options vary and may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure. You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed.

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